Big news if you’re disabled or live with someone who is — councils across the UK are now offering extra help on your council tax bill, and it could mean serious savings.

This isn’t a new scheme exactly, but it’s one that’s been flying under the radar for far too long. Thanks to a fresh wave of attention, more people are waking up to the fact that they might be overpaying, and are eligible for a discount worth hundreds of pounds a year.

What is the Council Tax Disability Reduction Scheme?

The scheme allows eligible households to either drop a full council tax band or get a 17% discount if they’re already in the lowest band. For some people, it can even lead to full exemption.

It’s designed for households where someone is “substantially and permanently disabled”, and where the home has been adapted to meet their needs. That might include a specially built bathroom or kitchen, space to use a wheelchair indoors, or an extra room for essential medical equipment.

It also applies to people who are classed as severely mentally impaired (SMI) — including many people with dementia, learning disabilities, or neurological conditions — as long as they’re receiving qualifying benefits like PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance.

How Much Could You Save?

This isn’t about token gestures. One council tax band drop could cut £200–£400 off your annual bill, depending on your area and band.

And if you’ve qualified for a while but didn’t know you could claim, you can ask your council to backdate your application, meaning a possible refund of everything you’ve overpaid since becoming eligible.

How Do You Apply?

Here’s the frustrating part: it’s not automatic. Even if you’re already receiving disability benefits or your home has been adapted, you still have to apply through your local council.

Each council runs things a bit differently, but you’ll usually need:

Medical evidence (e.g. a letter from your GP or consultant)
Details of any home adaptations (like invoices or photos)
Proof of qualifying disability benefits

Some councils offer an online form, while others will ask you to print, call, or email to apply. If you’re unsure what to do, contact your council directly and ask about their process — and don’t forget to mention backdating.

Other Support You Might Be Missing

If this discount applies to you, there’s a good chance others might too. Here are some extra schemes worth checking:

Carer’s discount (if you live with someone who cares for you full time)
Single person discount
Low income or means-tested Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax band challenge (if your home has been wrongly banded — which is more common than you’d think)

It’s worth taking 15 minutes to go through your options. The savings really add up.

This Isn’t Just About Bills — It’s About Fairness

At Purpl, we know how draining it is to constantly prove your existence to systems that don’t feel built for you. But this is one of those times where pushing through the admin might be genuinely worth it — and not just for you. The more people who claim these discounts, the stronger the case becomes to make support for disabled people easier, fairer, and automatic.

If you’ve applied or received the discount already, let us know. We’d love to share your story and help others do the same.

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

Other articles you might like:
Changes to Universal Credit: What They Mean for Disabled People, and Where to Get Support
Understanding Carer’s Allowance: A Guide for People in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
What Support Is Available for Young Carers in the UK? A Complete Guide
Do Disabled People Get Free Prescriptions in the UK? How to Save on Medication Costs